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Situated in the Rocky Mountains of the Canadian province of Alberta, Banff National Park is a place of rugged mountains, icy glaciers and deep evergreen forests. In summer the park attracts hikers and wildlife lovers, while in winter it becomes a center for sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. Campers are also drawn to Banff National Park, and a number of measures are necessary to properly prepare for a camping trip in the park, both before you leave and upon arrival at the park.

Items you will need

Boxes

Plastic bags

White vinegar (optional)

Binoculars

Insect repellent

Camping water filter (optional)

Step 1

Plan for an early arrival, as most of the campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and demand at Banff National Park is strong. You need a park permit to camp, so a stop at a park visitors center is necessary. These centers open at 9 a.m., except between June 19 to September 10, when they open at 8 a.m.

Step 2

Bring the necessary boxes and bags to keep your food and cooking utensils organized for storage into bear-proof containers whenever you leave the campsite. Banff National Park is not just bear country, but grizzly bear country, so this is a serious issue. The park requires all food and cookery be stored either in a hard-sized vehicle or inside their campground bear-proof lockers while your campsite is unattended, and having bags and boxes handy for this purpose makes packing up much simpler.

Step 3

Pack a bottle of white vinegar if you are not backpacking in the backcountry, in which case you cannot afford the extra weight. White vinegar is a useful tool for destroying unwanted scents, such as food or blood from an injury, and therefore is also useful in avoiding close encounters with predators, such as Banff's bears or wolves. Do not bring along perfumes, colognes or scented soaps, as these attract those selfsame predators.

Step 4

Bring insect repellent, to keep away unwanted biting insects. Also pack a pair of binoculars, so you can study Banff's rich and diverse wildlife without the necessity of venturing dangerously close to it.

Step 5

Choose clothing to bring that permits you to dress in layers. Even the summer weather in Banff is deceptive and unpredictable, and you may need to adapt quickly to cold weather.

Step 6

Register at the visitors center when you get your park permit by filling out the Voluntary Safety Registration if you intend to camp in Banff National Park for a prolonged period of time or intend to camp in the backcountry. By law, you are required to register out when you leave the camp. If an accident befalls you, the park will therefore know you are overdue and be aware of your plans, greatly assisting in a rescue.

Step 7

Pack a camping water filter before setting out to camp in the backcountry. While the water is usually clear, it may be contaminated with bacteria. Also check with the visitors center for the avalanche or landslide conditions on your proposed route before setting out into the backcountry.

References

About the Author

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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